Wellington: Don’t fret over water ‘tint’

WELLINGTON — Notice a strange color in your water? You’re not alone.

Wellington recently began a maintenance program to find and flush all water main valves. What does that mean? Utilities Department crews will open, close and make repairs as needed to make sure every valve remains in top shape.

The process could take months, village spokeswoman Liz Nunez said. The maintenance is “overdue,” she said. While the color will be the most noticeable change, some residents could notice a difference in taste and smell, but the water is safe to drink, she said.

Field staff will go neighborhood by neighborhood until the work is completed, Nunez said. Wellington utilities staff members are putting together a schedule outlining the order in which neighborhoods will be flushed. Once completed, that schedule will be online at www.wellingtonfl.gov.

In the meantime, the village in a news release warned residents that they may see a slight discoloration in their water. The “dark tint,” as Wellington described it in social media posts, is caused by silt and other mineral deposits stirred up by the flushing process, the village said.

The color should be temporary, Wellington said. To help move the mineral deposits out of the system more quickly, crews will flush hydrants to prevent discolored water from entering homes.

Residents also should run their sinks and taps inside and outside their homes to help the discolored water move through the system.

Residents whose water does not clear up or those who have questions can call Wellington Regulatory Compliance Manager Laurie Hand at 561-791-4149.